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Wasp season is in full swing across Austria, and anyone who sits down with a slice of cake or a piece of fruit knows the drill: within seconds, the yellow‑black insects arrive. Their landing spots, however, are not limited to human food. Wasps also visit carrion, spoiled leftovers and even feces — a fact that understandably unsettles many people. But how dangerous is it really when a wasp touches your meal?
Wasps on Food: A Psychological Problem More Than a Health Risk
Wasps are drawn to sugar and protein, making sweet pastries, soft drinks and fruit prime targets. Yet according to insect researcher Michael Ohl, their visits pose no real danger to humans — even if the insects previously landed on something unhygienic. “It’s more a psychological question whether you find it unpleasant,” Ohl explained.
Melanie von Orlow from the German Nature Conservation Association shares this view. She told t‑online that any contamination is “in the nanometre range” — far too little to cause harm. For those who still feel uncomfortable, shooing the insects away is possible, but it must be done correctly.
Don’t Blow or Wave — It Makes Things Worse
Instinctively waving your hands or blowing at a wasp can trigger exactly what you want to avoid: a sting. Wasps interpret fuchteln and wedeln as a threat. And blowing air at them is no better — the carbon dioxide in human breath can provoke a defensive reaction.
Instead, experts recommend two safer methods: smoke and water.
Smoke and Water: The Two Effective Tools
“Smoke can be produced by burning coffee grounds,” Ohl said. It signals danger to wasps, as fire could threaten their nest. A fine water mist from a spray bottle works too. It mimics rain, and wasps avoid flying when their wings get wet.
Patience Helps — But Has a Downside
Those who prefer a calmer approach can simply wait. Wasps leave once they’ve collected enough sugar or protein. But patience can backfire: wasps remember reliable food sources and may return repeatedly.
Covering food and waiting until the insects lose interest can also reduce visits. Over time, most wasps move on to richer feeding grounds.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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